‘Olympic gold would supersede everything’ – SBW

Editor

Winning an Olympic gold would “supersede everything” he has achieved in sport according to code hopper Sonny Bill Williams.

The 30-year-old made his Sevens debut during New Zealand’s triumph at the Wellington leg of World Rugby’s Sevens Series last week and will continue his education in the shortened version of the game when the series continues in Sydney this weekend.

Despite being a two-time Rugby World Cup winner in the 15-man game and winning two NRL titles in Rugby League, Williams said winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro later this year would top everything in his successful career.

“It would supersede everything,” he told Australia’s Daily Telegraph when asked about the importance of an Olympic medal compared to his other honours as a sportsman.

“Just being able to say to my daughter that I was an Olympian. But it’s a new game and new challenge. There’s so much talent in New Zealand and just to make the squad would be a feat in itself.

“Everyone thinks because I’m a name in the 15-a-side game that I’ve got a head start. Absolutely no way.”

Williams admits that he still has plenty to learn as a Sevens player but he’s using the challenge to master the sport as motivation.

“I’m a rookie, still figuring out the game but it’s lit a fire in me,” he added.

“We’ve got a squad of 30 at the moment. They’ll only take 14 players. And there’s some gun players.

“Competition is really stiff but I love the challenge.

“Every night I’m just buzzing about what we’re doing the next day, really excited.”